Retired goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris shared game-winning advice for United States Men’s National Team athletes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the U.S. prepares to host the tournament, insights from proven champions serve to bridge the gap between the successful women's program and the men's team. Harris brings the perspective of a player who knows how to maintain composure under the highest stakes of international competition.
Harris spoke during an appearance on June 12 [2] at The One Party, an event hosted by Uber in New York City [3]. The appearance focused on the mental and physical preparation required to compete at the elite level during a global tournament.
The retired athlete is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, having won titles in 2015 and 2019 [1]. Her experience as a cornerstone of the United States Women’s National Team provides a blueprint for success that the organization hopes to replicate with the men's squad.
During the event, Harris discussed the importance of mindset and the ability to perform when the pressure is highest. Her contributions were part of a broader effort to promote the partnership between the event and Uber, while supporting the athletes in their final preparations for the 2026 cycle.
The advice focused on the psychological resilience needed to navigate the knockout stages of the World Cup. Harris highlighted how the experience of winning multiple championships shapes an athlete's approach to the game, specifically regarding the discipline required to avoid errors in critical moments.
By sharing these strategies in New York City, Harris emphasized the unity of the U.S. soccer community. The event served as a platform to align the legacy of the women's game with the aspirations of the men's team as they enter the most significant tournament in their history.
“Ashlyn Harris shared game-winning advice for United States Men’s National Team athletes.”
The involvement of a multi-time champion like Harris signals a strategic effort to leverage the psychological and tactical success of the USWNT to elevate the USMNT. With the 2026 World Cup being hosted on home soil, the pressure on the men's team will be unprecedented, making the mentorship of players who have successfully managed such expectations a critical component of their preparation.
